Date:27/06/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/27/stories/2008062753850500.htm

Andhra Pradesh

‘Finding solutions to problems is key’

S. Harpal Singh

Keeping abreast of problems faced by constituents is important, says TRS Siddipet MLA
T. Harish Rao

CATCHING UP: Siddipet MLA T. Harish Rao going through a newspaper in Adilabad town on Thursday.

ADILABAD: The winds of change sweeping the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) is as much a result of the party’s poor performance in the recent byelections as the resounding success of T. Harish Rao from Siddipet Assembly constituency. While the failure forced the party to pay attention towards inherent lacunae, the MLA’s win presented the formula to plug in holes in the strategy.

Mr. Harish Rao states, “More than anything else, it is ‘delivering’ that merits people’s support. Keeping abreast of the problems faced by the constituents and finding solutions based on facts is what I do normally. This method has helped me maintain excellent public relations in my area.”

The young leader is here to supervise the organisational elections of the party in Adilabad Assembly constituency. He spoke to The Hindu about his exemplary performance as a public representative.

Using statistics

Over the last few years, Mr. Harish Rao has evolved as a methodical personality that helps him discharge of his duties as an MLA. Because of his engineering background, he got inclined towards using statistics in finding solutions to problems and issues.

“I meticulously collect information on all aspects related to my constituency and the region. I collect information from newspapers, Right to information Act, written answers to our questions in Assembly and the like. My rapport with officials also begets crucial official data,” he reveals .

SMS

“I do not hold out empty promises to anyone. I not only make written representations in offices but also pursue the matter until a solution is found. I use the mobile phone messaging service to the maximum while pursuing some problem,” he adds.

The TRS has now adopted his ideology and methodology in designing a programme of mass contact.

Opinion leaders in the society belonging to different sections will now be listed with party offices at all levels. These key people at the grassroots level will be in touch with the party leaders at least through SMS on mobile phones.